Welcome to USAAA Weekly News, an email newsletter that addresses a range of topics on Autism Spectrum Disorders and Asperger's Syndrome.

New autism studiesFirst clinical evidence for the benefit that combined anti-androgen and anti-heavy metal therapy may have on some children with ASDs.

by Dr. Mark Geier and David Geier

A clinical trial of combined anti-androgen and anti-heavy metal therapy in autistic disorders - BACKGROUND: A medical hypothesis has suggested that some autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) may result from interactions between the methionine cycle-transsulfuration and androgen pathways following exposure to mercury. CONCLUSION: This study provides the first clinical evidence for the benefit that combined anti-androgen and anti-heavy metal therapy may have on some children with ASDs. Click here for entire article.

A meta-analysis epidemiological assessment of neurodevelopmental disorders following vaccines administered from 1994 through 2000 in the United States - BACKGROUND: Thimerosal is an ethylmercury-containing compound (49.6% mercury by weight) used as at the preservative level in vaccines (0.005% to 0.01%). CONCLUSION: It is clear from the results of the present epidemiological study and other recently published data associating mercury exposure with childhood NDs, additional ND research should be undertaken in the context of evaluating mercury-associated exposures, especially from Thimerosal-containing vaccines. Click here for entire article.

Dr. Mark Geier and David Geier will present at the USAAA 2007 International Conference in Denver, Saturday, August 11, from 9:00am - 10:30 am in a keynote presentation titled, "Epidemiology and other evidence on what caused the autism epidemic and new treatment protocol for autism." To view the entire schedule, click here.

USAAA 2007 conference registration online

US Autism & Asperger Association, Inc. (USAAA) kicks off its annual International Autism and Asperger Conference in Denver, Colorado, August 8-11, 2007. Thirty-two of the world’s most renowned leading autism experts will present new interventions and new research in both education and medicine. The conference is co-hosted by Autism Society of Boulder County (ASBC) and will be held at the Hyatt Regency Tech Center. The conference is presented in part by International Hyperbarics Association.

USAAA and Autism Today hosted Autism Vancouver Biennial Congress 2007, March 1-4, Vancouver, British Columbia. Over 600 parents, health care practitioners and educators attended Autism Vancouver March 1-4. With 18 leading experts presenting biomedical and behavioral interventions, attendees brought home invaluable new research and therapies to implement immediately. Many exhibitors displayed new and innovative products. And on Saturday night, March 3, over 150 people had the wonderful opportunity to listen to 14 year old Matt Savage and his Jazz Trio perform. Thanks to all the speakers, exhibitors, delegates, staff and volunteers that made this conference possible.

Elijah Wapner on MTV's TRUE LIFE! March 18!

Elijah Wapner, son of Dr. Valerie Paradiz (USAAA Advisory Board Member and Director of Education at the NYU Child Study Center's Asperger Institute), will be premiering on MTV's "True Life: I'm Autistic" on Sunday, March 18 at 9:00 pm EST.

MTV's award-winning True Life documentary series has told remarkable real-life stories of young people and the unusual subcultures they inhabit. The True Life series tells its stories solely from the varied voices and points-of-view of its characters--putting the series in the unique position of reflecting the state of youth culture at any given moment.

Elijah presented at the USAAA 2006 International Conference and will present again with his mom at the USAAA 2007 International Conference in Denver, Saturday, August 11, from 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm in a presentation titled, "Asperger's Syndrome: Building Confidence through Emerging and Deep Interests." A budding performer in his own right, Elijah developed his intensive, catalogue interest in comedy—first beginning with repeated viewings of Charlie Chaplin films at age three—into original standup routines that he performs live at clubs and cafes. He speaks with his mom on topics such as adolescence and Asperger’s syndrome, how humor can support developing social skills and social awareness, and tips and insights for parents, teachers, therapists and other professionals in the autism community.

If you want to know more about Elijah and where his standup comedy is taking him, visit his web site at www.MrInevitable.com.

A new, powerful video from Stan Kurtz....an important discovery... "I Can See!"A mom recovers from life-long major visionby Stan Kurtz

A mother suffers from monocular vision, and she can only see functionally out of one eye. She can't really tell depth perception. For her, vertically speaking, the world was literally flat. Her son was suffering from autism and she was giving him Methyl B-12 shots. Click here to view the video on how a mother recovers from life-long major vision.

Stan Kurtz, a USAAA Advisory Board Member, will present at the USAAA 2007 International Conference in Denver, Saturday, August 11, from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm in a presentation titled, "Remarkable Results with a Combination of Anti-Viral and Nasal MB12 Therapy in ASD's Related Conditions." To view the entire schedule, click here.

Science Daily — The standard of education for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) can be improved by better classroom design, but often not enough attention is given to their needs. Now, researchers Coventry University's Design Ergonomics Applied Research Group have developed a new environment that is engaging autistic children in schools through digital technology.

Researchers from the University of Calgary, University of Manitoba and University of Saskatchewan are looking to shed some light on the often-misunderstood world of autism. The group of professors and students from the division of applied psychology are conducting a study that focuses on 100 youth aged 17-21 diagnosed with high-functioning autism, or Asperger's syndrome. The study is designed to look at the under-studied adolescent demographic and assess the positive aspects of these points in the autism spectrum.

Sofia's Deputy Mayor Irina Papancheva will open Wednesday the first in Bulgaria day care centre for children with autism. The centre was founded on the initiative of the Sofia Municipality together with Autism Association.

A surprisingly high number of children may be suffering from autism, and waiting a long time for a diagnosis. A report commissioned by the Australian Board on Autism Spectrum Disorders is the first systematic study of the extent of autism in Australia ever carried out.

TenureTrack Faculty, Director of the Asperger Institute, New York University Child Study Center.To learn more about this tenure-track position, click here. Additional details about the Asperger Institute and the NYU Child Study Center can be found at: www.aboutourkids.org.